AFTER ALMOST two decades on the Birstall beat, popular Police Community Support Officer Mark Butler is retiring.
Mark, 66, said: “After almost 18 ½ years, I’m finally swapping my patrol boots for some comfy slippers as I am
retiring on August 29, 2023.
“Unfortunately, for the past three years since COVID-19 hit us all, I have been
on restricted duties, so have been unable to patrol the streets of Birstall and Wanlip, however, I have been working behind the scenes.”
Prior to the lockdown, and for the last 15 years, Mark was a constant policing presence within the villages and became a familiar face and got to know many residents in the area.
He said: “I have enjoyed walking the beat, engaging with everybody that I came across and those who required some support from the police, whether that be the most vulnerable people within our community, victims of crime or offenders. Hopefully, I’ve made a positive difference to many lives over my time on the beat.
“I really enjoyed engaging with the young people, carrying out school talks and local events and working closely with the Birstall Youth café and other youth organisations within the village.
“As I’ve often said, I’ve got the best job in the world, where I can get paid for talking to people and drinking tea.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everybody within the community, particularly the Parish Council, the Birstall & Wanlip Neighbourhood Watch and the local schools, for the friendship and support they provided over the years while in my role as your Police Community Support Officer.”
AS THE schools go back and the nights get a little longer, it can only mean one thing - it’s time to don your aprons and prepare for The Great Birstall Bake Off!
The event organisers are appealing to the people of Birstall to take part in the event, which this year takes place on September 23 and 24.
Charlotte Foy from the White Horse said: “The baking competition returns for its eleventh year of raising money for Macmillan, and over that time you wonderful bakers and cake eaters
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A MEMBER of Girlguiding Birstall has recently returned from the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Florence Joyce, 14, was the only Ranger from Leicestershire to attend. She was selected last year, along with a handful of other Girlguiding members
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have helped to raise over £11,000 for the cancer charity that helps so many families and no doubt has touched the lives of many in Birstall.
“So, we need local people - or anyone that’s willing to travel with their bakes (we have had entries from all over the country!) to enter one or more of our categories of Cupcakes /Traybakes, Cakes, Biscuits, International, pastry, Bread, Free from, Best decorated and Best under 16. There is also a big prize for the best in show!
“There are always some wonderful prizes for our winners, so why not get involved? We have a children’s category too, and love all the entries we get from the kids, so why not get the whole family baking and have a family competition too? Wooden spoons at dawn!
“The baking entries need to be bought to The White Horse pub between 912noon, on Saturday September 23, where it all gets judged in the afternoon by a panel of experts, including last year’s winners and the lovely ladies from the WI!
“On Sunday 24, from 11am, we need even more people to come to the pub
across the Midlands, to attend with a Scout group from Warwickshire. Florence raised £4,000 to cover her travel and kit costs by hosting glass fusion workshops, cake sales, and by making and selling ‘grass heads’.
In Seoul, the group was greeted by rain but not deterred as they explored local food markets and met the very
and buy and eat all the cake as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. The cake sale has a wonderful garden party atmosphere with music, a raffle, bunting and entertainment for children, and the winners are given their rosettes and prizes.”
“Everyone that enters tells us how much fun they have had getting involved, and many categories have been won by complete baking novices in the past, so please don’t think being new to baking is an excuse - let this be your moment to shine and discover a new hobby!” said Beccy Kay Founder of the competition.
“We love to make up some super hampers for the prize winners and raise some extra money via a raffle, so if anyone or any local businesses would like to donate something suitable for this, then you’d be helping out too!” she added.
The organisers would love to have a bouncy castle again this year, and anyone who knows a local supplier who might give a good rate for this charitable cause should contact the White Horse.
For more information, see the White Horse Birstall Facebook page. For entry forms, download one from the White Horse website www.thewhitehorsebirstall.co.uk or pop into the pub to pick one up.
friendly local people. When they arrived at the Jamboree in Saemangeum, the ground was still wet, but with true Guiding and Scouting spirit, the group persevered and set up their tents. Florence then attended the opening ceremony alongside the other 45,000 participants.
The next day, Florence took part in various activities, including traditional paper-making and climbing. When activities were paused while organisers handled the difficult conditions on site,
the ever-resourceful participants arranged badge swap stations in the shade tunnels and spent time meeting other international members. When the UK
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contingent left the Jamboree to relieve pressure on the site, they travelled back to Seoul to continue their adventure. Kind and apologetic locals gifted chocolate bars, face masks, and even theatre
A SPONSORED fun run around Watermead Country Park helped raise funds for Gunns’ boxing gym.
The annual Campbell Run is named after gym member Dylan Campbell, 16, who was killed by a speeding car in Birstall in 2018. Around 60 young people took part.
After the run, on Sunday August 6, gym members, supporters and their families gathered in Birstall Village Hall for a party featuring food, drink and entertainment
and football game tickets.
Activities in the following days included ‘Seoul searching’, where participants made their way around the city to find different things and other international Scouts. They were also able to see the sights, including going up the Seoul N and Sky Towers, visiting the Gangnam area, a historical prison and war memorial, and the base camp at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. At times, Florence and her friends felt like celebrities, with many locals keen to take photographs and selfies with them!
Florence’s personal highlight of the trip was going to a temple in traditional Korean clothing called Hanbok. For the girls, this meant wearing dresses consisting of seven layers of fabric - petticoats and overskirts topped with coloured silk fabrics. The boys also wore Hanbok suits with trousers, tunics and swords, which they all loved and felt awesome in (but also very hot!).
Finally, all the participants were able to come back together to enjoy the closing ceremony - a spectacular K-Pop concert and fireworks!
Florence loved her three weeks in Korea, although it was not the jamboree experience she planned for. She and her friends spent time interacting with the local people, shops and markets and having a truly unforgettable experience.
Florence wishes to thank everyone who supported her on this adventure, from the amazing leaders who looked after her on the trip, and her leaders in Girlguiding Birstall, who have given her the confidence to be able to go on this adventure, to all those who helped her fundraising efforts and the people asking after her while she was away. The support of the amazing community in Birstall has really meant the world.
From Girlguiding Birstall
from the Ann Oliver Stage School and Katie’s Characters.
Carl Gunns said: “I think the turnout was the biggest we've ever had, you just couldn’t move in the village hall! I’m grateful to all who gave us raffle prizes including a voucher from the White Horse and one from Carl at Birstall Fisheries.
“We were presented with a beautiful cake in the shape of a boxing ring, it really was special, brought in by Sophia and baked by her gran.”
The event raised £300 for the upkeep of the Birstall Road gym, which is open six days a week with around 300 young people attending regularly.
A FULL meeting of Birstall Parish Council was held on August 14.
Chairman Robert Vincent reported there had been several comments from the public praising the hanging baskets along Sibson Road, and he thanked the Estate's Team for the baskets and the planting on the roundabout.
County Councillor Dan Grimley reported that bus shelters will be erected on Loughborough Road near Red Hill roundabout in September.
The chief executive officer of Young Leicestershire, Alison Jolley, reported to councillors on the youth work activities they are providing, on behalf of the council, from the School Lane pavilion.
BIRSTALL’S BRANCH of Boots the chemist has received an award from Boots’ bosses for their excellent customer service.
The award recognises the Birstall branch as providing the best customer service in the area, and the staff have been shortlisted for a larger regional celebration for Boots later this year.
Jagruti Ranchhod, Store Manager, Boots Sibson Road, Birstall, said: “We pride ourselves on offering excellent
service to our customers in Birstall and were thrilled to receive this recognition in our area. Everything we do is to serve our local community, and we always strive to make sure our customers have a great experience in store, so it feels nice to have been recognised for this.
“We are also super excited to receive a nomination for the regional event later this year and are keeping our fingers crossed!”
Pic: The award winning Birstall Boots team
The youth club had previously been open two evenings a week, catering to different age groups. These have now been merged into a single session, and since then attendance has increased.
Meetings have taken place to discuss the possibility of providing sessions suitable for young people with learning disabilities.
Ms Jolley reported that the youth club promoted itself on social media and sent information to local schools.
There had been an incident earlier this summer where staff and users had felt threatened by some visitors to the café. Since then, Young Leicestershire has reviewed the facility’s risk assessment and redone its safeguarding training. There have been no further incidents.
Cllr Kirsty Haywood suggested that
Young Leicestershire consider forming links with existing youth groups in the village, such as sporting groups, to widen the activities that take place at the youth club.
PC Stuart Venables and PCSO John Harrison presented the crime report.
The local police team were thanked for the assistance it had provided at the gala, and for dealing with an issue with local shops. PC Venables reported that burglary figures for April and May were low and that a prolific Birstall burglar had been remanded in custody. In response to a question, he said that burglaries occurred across the village, and were not clustered.
The council considered new costings from artist Giles Meakin regarding the Covid mural, originally planned for a wall in the car park on The Crossways, and to consider proceeding with the mural project.
Comment was made that the project was not universally popular.
Putting the artwork on PVC panels would have the advantage of it being mobile.
It was agreed to pay Mr Meakin for the work he has done on the project so far, which has included workshops with local school pupils. Their artwork will form the basis of the design.
It was agreed to move ahead with the project, by having the artwork printed onto four PVC banners which will be 5 feet tall. The cost will be £766. The
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estimate for The Crossways car park mural was £3520.
The council considered a proposal to buy six aluminium ‘Tommy’ soldier statues, to be placed around the route taken by the Remembrance parade. Local businesses would be invited to sponsor the statues, which cost £175 each. It was agreed to purchase six statues, subject to permission being obtained for installation on The Triangle roundabout.
The council considered the continuation of arranging an annual civic service and lunch. Comment was made about how inclusive the event was, and whether or not it was outdated. It was agreed to proceed with the service at Saint Theresa’s this year, and the events committee to consider a new approach for 2024.
The council received a report from Age UK detailing the use of the assisted bathing service, which is provided at the Age UK Day Centre in the village hall. Comment was made that more effort should be made promoting the service to Birstall residents, and it was agreed to write to Age UK, urging them to widen their promotion to local residents.
Linda and Ron Cavers were married in St Peters Church, Belgrave, and have lived in Birstall for over 50 years.
They met in a Rothley pub, where a darts game was going on; men versus women.
“I noticed him, and that was it,” said Linda. “There was a touch of hands as we swapped the darts.”
Linda was 17 when they met, and Ron was 19. They married two years later and had one daugh-
ter, Cheryl.
Ron, 82, began his working life as a telephone engineer and ended it at Jelson, as company secretary.
Linda, 80, worked in hosiery before a career in retail, at Fenwicks in the fashion department.
Linda said: “People have often said it’s like we are joined at the hip. Everything I do, I do with
Ron in mind, and he feels the same way.” The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with close family at the Wheatsheaf in Woodhouse.
A BIRSTALL man’s experience of paralysis and his long road to recovery is the subject of a documentary film released in 2022.
After a routine visit to his chiropractor in 2104, Simon Sansome’s legs gave way on his walk back to his car. This would be the last time he would ever walk again.
Newlywed Simon, now 41, awoke the next day paralysed and was rushed to hospital. His doctor reviewed his injury and decided on a treatment plan, unknowingly causing irreversible damage, leaving Simon severely paralysed.
The last time Simon ever made love to his new wife Kate, they had conceived a child. While Simon was in hospital, the couple lost their baby along with any chance of ever conceiving again.
Being told he may never sit up and losing the family they so wanted, Simon told Kate she should leave, but Kate stayed with him. Through months of hospitalisation, Kate kept her job, their home and everything they had built together. Little by little, Simon regained the ability to sit; he knew if he could sit,
he could work.
Simon was finally released from the hospital for care at home, but the struggles were far from over. He lost his job, and the impact on their income meant they were facing losing their home. He was paralysed and facing the worst.
The documentary, ‘Access All Areas’, tell Simon and Kate’s story, and how Simon used his experience to help, support and advise thousands of disabled people around the UK.
Simon was born and brought up in Birstall, attending Riverside, Stonehill and Longslade schools before being elected as a Birstall borough councillor in 2014. He is now a disability rights campaigner.
Interviewed by The Mirror, Simon said: “It is only because of Kate that I am here today. She could have walked away, but she stayed with me.
“After four months, I managed to sit up for about 30 seconds, before I collapsed and passed out.
“But realising I could sit up for 30 seconds, despite losing all the muscle mass in my body, I knew I could build my core strength and eventually sit up for longer. I knew if I could sit up, I could sit in the car, I could drive, I could sit at a desk, and I could do something with my life. That is when it hit me. It was not about what I could not do, but what I could. I could have lived quietly on benefits for the rest of my life,
but I decided to grab life by the horns and try to make something of it.
“That is what I believe I have done. I am fighting for equality and inclusion for the disabled community because if I do not, I feel I would slip into oblivion.
“The one thing I am most proud of is the Snowball Community app, it is like TripAdvisor for the disabled community. It lets people rate services and businesses according to how disability-friendly they are, so people won’t get turned away from restaurants, pubs and venues as they can already see if a place is accessible.
“My disability has given me a passion and a burning in my belly to try to improve the quality of life for others, and it has also given me confidence to do things I would never have done.”
‘Access All Areas’ is available to view on a number of streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime.
FOUR BOXERS at Birstall’s Tactical Basement Boxing Club have received awards recognising their progress in training.
Henry Smith and James Curtis, students at the Cedars Academy, received a bronze award. Reece Barker from Thur-
maston and Declan Squires from Syston received the Bronze Merit Award.
Anyone wishing to join the club, which trains at the Birstall Social Club, for sessions on Monday and Friday from 7pm to 8pm, can contact Dean Spencer on 0797 951 1501.
EX LONGSLADE Pupils from 1970-80 met at a school reunion at Birstall Village Cricket Club.
Around 40 people attended on July 16, and while many were local to the village, some had travelled from as far away as Belfast and Blackpool.
Elaine Hunt said: “Old stories were
shared, old friendships renewed, and a few teachers were mentioned - mostly good! Thanks to everyone who bought raffle prizes and tickets. We raised £86 for Birstall Bags.”
The money will be added to that already raised by the cricket club and handed over at the end of the cricket season.
Pic: Former Longslade students meet up
all details printed free
that captures life in and around Leicester’s Melton Road comes to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery from September 9
This Golden Mile is the work of Kavi Pujara, who began to photograph the neighbourhoods close to Leicester’s Golden Mile as a way to reconnect with the city, its residents and his own past after 30 years of living in London.
Kavi Pujara is a self-taught photographer. He works as a film editor for the BBC alongside independently making personal, long-term documentary photo projects. He was one of the winners in the British Journal of Photography, Portrait of Britain 2020 and recipient of a Martin Parr Foundation photographic bursary in 2020.
This Golden Mile opens at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on 9 September and runs until 31 March 2024. Entry to the museum is free. For opening timesvisit www.leicestermuseums.org
Coffee Morning & Sale
at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR to be held on
Saturday 21st October 2023
10am to 12 noon stalls to include Cakes, Handicrafts, Books, Bric A Brac, Greetings Cards, Gifts, Plants, Tombola Raffle
Everyone Welcome £1 Entrance, to Include Coffee/Tea & Biscuits
All monies to be used in research in Leicester University and University Hospitals
Meets 7.30pm, Church Rooms
Quorn.
Autumn Meetings:
Thur 12th Oct: Conserving Books of the National Trust
How old books of various construction and age are cared for.
Thur 9th Nov: They Make no Noise. The Art of the Conductor How the conductor determines the direction of an orchestra.
Thur 14th Dec: The Curious History of Christmas Food
How it's changed with illustrations from medieval manuscripts to 19th century prints
Once again after a very successful show in 2022 Birstall Scouts & St James’ Birstall parish church are putting on a
In aid of the church and the Scouts Saturday 30th September at 7pm doors open from 6.30pm Tickets £10 per head on the door or if you get them in advance £8 per person and £20 for a family of
four (two adults and two children under 12)
We are proud to have the Bilton Silver Rugby Band to perform for us once again this year.
30th Sept: Ann Marie Fraser
Friday 29th music quiz starting at 8.30pm
Room hire available for wakes, ring 07894715049
It will be all the familiar music and songs, and lots of flag waving If you would like tickets please phone the number below 0116 2674031 or 07842336745
Or from St James’ church office
An afternoon talk by Denis Kenyon on The work of the at risk War Memorial Project.
Tuesday 12th September at 2pm Cross Corners Community Art Centre Thurcaston Road
Leicester LE4 5PF
All welcome. £4.50 includes refreshments
All old and new members will be very welcome
Bingo every Tuesday starting at 9pm Quizzes every Wednesday starting at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9pm Pool tables at only 50p
Saturday Entertainment
2nd Sept: Karen west female vocalist
16th Sept: Adam James male vocalist
Talk by Louise Morse at Birstall Methodist Church Sat 23rd September 2023
10.30am to 3pm & also on ZOOM
For details or to book a place contact:
Charles Hilton
Email: chashilton@me.com
Tel: 0782 839 4276
Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road
Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays 3.30 – 5.30pm
September 15 & 29
£6 each on the door
Tea / coffee included Home made cakes available, We ask for donations
The Birstall Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
I noted in the August edition of the “Birstall Post” that a covid mural is proposed as an addition to the Crossway car park.
Yes, the Covid epidemic was a very bleak time. But this mural could acknowledge the lives of those people that lived in Birstall who died as a result of the Covid outbreak.
Not a lot of money to spend in order to remember them.
Carol Withers
in Thurcaston
“Operation Mincemeat” (Sep 8, 128 mins)
In 1943, German forces had occupied Europe so the Allies were determined to launch an assault on Hitler’s troops but these Allies needed to be protected. British officers fabricated an almost absurd disinformation plan to trick the German commanders. Starring Matthew MacFadyen and Colin Firth, this is a superbly clever U.K. espionage film, based on a reallife WW 11 Operation.
“A Man called Otto” (Oct 13, 124 mins)
Tom Hanks is one of our favourite actors. In our humorous October film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, Tom Hanks plays a cantankerous widower. Otto is continually disapproving of his neighbours’ ways, until a new family sees beyond his grumpiness. Will this unexpected friendship turn Otto’s life around?
“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” will be shown on November 10.
Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these
films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for your tickets at the door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from:
Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619
Have you any time to help support Rothley village
We are still looking for additional volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week or fortnight please think about your local library. The Library runs entirely on voluntary help from a friendly and committed team. We are looking to increase the numbers of people we have to help during opening hours. Currently volunteer do so on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Training at a time and date to suit you.
Contact us via the email below if you are interested in volunteering or want more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.
September 2023
The Birstall Methodist Monday Group meets at 7.30pm in The Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop every Monday evening (apart from Bank Holidays). Our Autumn Programme will recommence in September after the summer break. The following are details of our
September Programme. Please note that we will be choosing our Project for 2023/2024 at our AGM on 11 Sept. We look forward to seeing you all again – please bring a friend if you wish – it would be good to welcome new faces! Please contact Eileen 2929670 for further details.
4 Sept: Quiz Night with Diane
11 Sept: Cheque Presentation to MND – followed by AGM
18 Sept: ‘My Childhood Memories’ Graham Tennant
25 Sept: Harvest Supper (Bring and Share)
Cedar Care Circle
Hi everyone. I hope you're all well. The summer has been a little wet to say the least, here's hoping for a balmy September! Our next meetings will be on September 11 & 25. Venue is Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall from 1pm.
If you care for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia you will probably be feeling overwhelmed and possibly isolated. 24/7 caring takes its toll. Come along and chat with us. We all understand how frustrated and angry the situation can make you feel. Enjoy a break, discuss how you feel, ask questions, between us we try to help. Lisa and the girls are so lovely looking after us. We are very fortunate to be able to get together in a social setting with all the amenities that the cafe provides. If you'd like to chat first call me on 07905760556, my name is Barbara.
Loughborough Concert Band presents
at All Saints’ Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston
Sat September 23
6.30pm for 7pm
This year’s theme is music from films and television -something for everyone!
Tickets £10 (under 16s free)includes a glass of wine (or soft drink) and light refreshments at the interval
Please order your tickets from Jane Westby 0116 235 2226 mowestby@virginmedia.com
Birstall Flower Club
Wed Sept 27, 2023
Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm
Demonstrator: Lynne Sharpe
Title: My Floral Gems
Visitors £5
Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437
You are most welcome to join us for our
Sunday September 24, 2023
10.45amVenue: The Day Centre, The Village Hall, Birstall Road, (junction with School Lane) Birstall (LE4 4DH)
Birstall Independent Baptist Church
Enquiries: 0116 221 4883 http://www.birstallbaptistchurch. org.uk
Birstall Methodist Thursday Group
welcomes old and new lady members to our new season of weekly meetings, 2pm each Thursday in
the Coffee Shop
Sept 7: Cheque presentation to Cedar Care Circle
Sept 14: Amongst ourselves
Sept 21: A.G.M.
Sept 28: Antiques with Chris Greaves
For more information contact June 0116 2675615
The October issue of THE BIRSTALL POST will be published on Sep 29. The copy deadline is Sep 18.
Roof leaks • Flat Roofs Jet Washing • Moss Removal Gutters Cleaned, Fixed & Repaired General Property Maintenance
07470 204060 0116 2986404
djk03@hotmail.co.uk
It is becoming common for car park charges to be paid through a phone app rather than by putting coins into a machine. This can be very convenient, but we should not be surprised to learn that scammers are using this development to devise new ways to trick us out of our hard-earned cash.
The Which? Scam Alert Service is warning about a new trick - people who believe that they are signing up to completely legitimate parking apps, such as JustPark, Parkonomy, PayByPhone and Ringgo, find instead that they are committed to a £39.99 regular monthly subscription to a company called Alltainment, for what is described as an ‘entertainment package’.
Which? researchers who searched on Google for the genuine JustPark app found that the top result was for a website called uk.apkpac[.com], which primarily promotes apps and games. The webpage appears to include a link to download the JustPark app, but it actually hosts a number of 'clickable' adverts for Alltainment, which seem to be designed in such a way that someone would assume that they are linked to different sites.
A variation of this scam tricks people into simply scanning QR Codes, either in person or online, through websites and unofficial app stores that are also linked to Alltainment.
This appears to be a growing problem with QR Codes. They are a very convenient way to link to all sorts of things but are impossible to read with the human eye. Make sure that they come from a known and trusted source before you scan them.
Genuine companies make their apps available through reputable sources like Microsoft Store, Apple App Store and Google Play. There is no need to use other, unofficial app stores if the app you require is available from these trusted sites, but a great need to be very wary if they are not!
You can report scam ads directly to the relevant platform and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). While the ASA only regulates ads from legitimate businesses, it notifies all participating platforms with key details of reported scam adverts, so that they can be identified and removed.
If you give away your bank details or lose money to a scam, phone your bank immediately using the number it supplies, for example, on your card or statement. If you become aware of a scam or have been affected by one, report it to Action Fraud so that other possible victims can be warned about it as soon as possible. Keep safe from crime.
Ed Chambers, Watch ChairmanLocal Police are aiming to reduce burglaries at domestic dwellings in the area
Local Officers will engage with the community proving crime prevention advice, and encourage the use of security measures to make properties more secure. Attending reports of burglaries to secure any evidence and pursue reasonable lines of enquiries to identify any offenders.
Tackling all elements of vehicle crime
Police aim to tackle different elements of vehicles crime such as theft, TWOC and ASB caused by vehicles
Police aim to tackle vehicle crime through the use of Problem management profiles. This will be targeted patrol times to disrupt the use of ASB with vehicles, and disruption tactics on a wider scale using specialist officers.
Theft and associated offences will be targeted by pursuing reasonable lines of enquiry to assist identify and prosecute offenders in a timely manner
Tackling County Lines
Police are developing and targeting people within the area that are drug dealing, exploiting vulnerable people by cuckooing addresses and causing antisocial behaviour from this type of crime. Gathering intelligence from the community, providing a robust response by executing search warrants, and applying any necessary closures order to stop criminality and protect the public.
Birstall Specific Drugs
- Development of intelligenceLocal officers are out and about within Birstall and Wanlip, speaking to local residents to gather current/accurate information and intelligence that can be acted upon in order to hold drug dealers/users accountable, which will subsequently make our streets a safer place.
Road Safety - Excess Speed - Speeding vehicles is an ongoing issue on our roads, that is very well established. As a policing team, we will be out on the roads at locations highlighted by local residents on a sporadic basis. Please watch your speed.
If you are concerned about road safety in Birstall & Wanlip —Request enforcement and make a difference. Find out more by visiting the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership website: www.speedorsafety.com where you can complete a short Community Concern Site Request.
A message from PC 1365 Stu Venables
Unfortunately since the last block of Burglaries within Birstall (the last one being 21st of May 2023) we have had a few more that have now been reported these are as follows;
- Shed (between 08th July & 12th July)
- 2 x Business premises— (overnight between 14th & 15th of July)
- Residential (between 12th & 15th July)
- Residential (29th July)
We have been able to identify 2 x suspects related to the residential Burglaries— One of the suspects was arrested and stolen property was recovered—very likely they will be charged and sent to court (currently on police bail) and the
2nd where no further action was taken as per the wishes of the victims.
The business premises are still under investigation and being linked to others around the county and the shed burglary has been closed, due to lack of evidence, albeit I am still trying to gather information surrounding this.
In relation to the male that has featured along the Sibson Road over recent months, we are making some good progress in regards to addressing this behaviour and we have recently seen a reduction in the anti-social behaviour being reported. This is being closely monitored and we are working with a multi-agency approach to secure the best outcome.
I hope you are all enjoying the summer holidays, kids will soon be back to school. I am really pleased to say that during the summer holidays on the whole the kids have been well behaved, which is great to see.
Just a heads up that we have seen an increase in vehicle crime locally, specifically within Anstey. Please do not leave anything of value in your vans or cars and certainly nothing on display as these criminals are skulking around and will take advantage of opportunistic situations.
Please be extra vigilant during this time and ensure that you report any suspicious activity without delay, as this will help us to keep the pressure on the criminals that live amongst us. If you see a crime in progress please call 999.
If you could help us out, we are trying to get everyone in Birstall & Wanlip signed up to Neighbourhood Link, which is where we shared up-to-date information which is mostly email based and allows you to privately respond. Please see further details by visiting the website: www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk
I would like to inform you that Sergeant Alice Forfar has now moved onto another area/department and therefore we are awaiting a new sergeant to be allocated to the team. I will hopefully be able to update you soon, once they have been appointed.
Lastly, PCSO 6611 Mark Butler has now retired after 18 & 1/2 years of service within Birstall and Wanlip, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark for all his efforts over the years, he has been a really inspiration and pleasure to work with. Mark has tutored many new PCSO’s the majority of which have since joined as Police Officersincluded in that is myself and Sergeant Alice Forfar amongst many more and he will be missed, despite the fact I am sure we will still see him from time to time walking around Birstall in his slippers. Good Luck with your retirement Mark and enjoy it.
All the best and stay safe PC 1365 Stu Venables
Crime Figures Birstall and Wanlip
1.8.23 – 18.8.23
All other theft offences, 4 Burglary, 2 Criminal damage, 6 Drug trafficking, 1 Drug possession, 1 Public disorder, 2 Vehicle crime, 5 Violence with injury, 6 Violence without injury, 9
Events
Beat Surgery: Located at the Robert Dickinson Building on Sibson Road (within the Short Stay car park) - on the following dates/times.
- 03rd September 2023 (10am12pm)
- 16th September 2023 (10am12pm)
- 24th September 2023 (10am12pm)
Beat Surgery: Located at Wanlip Church and Community Hall, Riverside Mews, LE74PH, on the following dates/times.
- 24th September 2023 (1 - 2pm)
Please feel free to attend, to meet your local officer, ask any questions or discuss any community concerns you may have. Additionally local residents can bring their cycles to the surgeries to have them officially marked for free. Information regarding the scheme can be found on the website: www.bikeregister.com or explained on the day.
We are holding a Bike Register event between 12noon and 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28, at St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall which will be part of the Summer Fete. Feel free to bring along you cycle and get it marked for free.
We also have a roads policing operation scheduled to take place in Birstall within September 2023. We will be targeting a wide range of offences, seat belt, mobile phone, drink/drug driving and speeding as well as e-scooters and illegal e-cycles.
From the Birstall Beat Team
of runners from many local running clubs, and all the results can be seen on the Watermead Run Facebook page.
Nigel said: “A special mention goes to male runner Dan Hallam in a winning
HIGHCLIFFE AMATEUR Theatrical Society’s next panto will be “Little Panto of Horrors”, a pantomime by (and with the permission of) Limelight Scripts, directed this year by Micheal Smith.
Sue Withers from HATS reports: Micheal, and all of the HATS members, are looking forward to bringing you a fabulous show: we can’t wait to get started.
The roles have been cast and have resulted in some very happy faces. Rehearsals have started and have already resulted in some hilariously funny episodes, not all scripted, I might add. That’s the joy and fun of belonging to our group, we can all laugh at ourselves and each other, and we ultimately want our audience to do the same too. There is nothing better than laughter to lift your mood and feel like a child again. Yes, as I’ve said previously, pantos are not just for children, they are for all ages.
What better way for adults to find their inner child again, than to sit through a performance with a bag of sweets? Obviously, if you can bring a child or children with you, that would be brilliant, but feel free to come without them too.
So, the flavour of this panto is a little different from the traditional, as you might have guessed from the title, but it still has all the elements of what a traditional panto includes: dame, villain, comedy etc, and
not every character is human either. Intrigued?
Our amazing props member, Phil Walton, is once again going to be very busy. He has already started to think about the huge amount of work he will have to do and has made a start. So, pencil the dates in your diary and make sure you don’t miss this fabulous show. And check out our Facebook page for regular updates/photos of our rehearsals.
Dates for your diary: December 7, 8 & 9 in the evening, with an additional matinee performance on the 9th.
Venue: Birstall Social Club 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS.
Tickets: £7 and £6 concession. £22 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).
Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people.
Box Office: 0116-2209594 and 07948 796675
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/
time of 25.53 minutes and female runner Clare Frankland in a winning time of 28.31 minutes.”
The event has raised over £4,000, and this will be used by the Rotary Club to support numerous projects locally, nationally and internationally.
“Big thanks to all the runners and to the many volunteers who made it all possible. See you all again in 2024,” said Nigel.
BOWLS CLUB Memorial Day is a popular event in the calendar at St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club.
It honours and remembers club members who have passed away over the years. The afternoon of Sunday August 13, provided perfect bowling conditions, with a gentle breeze and light cloud. Teams of three were drawn out of a hat
from the 30 players taking part. There were four matches spread over the afternoon, each played to five ends. With this format, the whole thing moves at a brisk pace and ensures a variety of opponents. The winning team, Pete Woods, Rachel Smith and Mick Marlow, were presented with the Memorial Trophy.
The trophy was originally provided by the family of John Cort, who played for the club for many years. The afternoon, organised by John Foulds and Mary Linnet, was rounded off with delicious samosas, scones and tea.
From St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club
Pic: Trophy winners - Pete Woods, Rachel Smith and Mick Marlow
MOST PEOPLE are aware that dogs can be trained to help people who are visually-impaired –not so many know that dogs can be trained to help people with hearing loss too.
Birstall Lipreading Group were lucky to meet two Hearing Dogs, Zyla and Grace, when we were visited by Merleen Watson, a volunteer for Hearing Link Services earlier this year.
Merleen gave an excellent presentation outlining the support offered by the charity; they believe that everyone should receive the support necessary to live life to its fullest potential.
Whilst not everyone with hearing loss will require the services of a Hearing Dog, many may benefit from the range of services that Hearing Link has to offer. This could be practical advice on assistive devices, or more personalised support and guidance. For more information about Hearing Link Services, please visit: https://www.hearinglink.org/
If you have hearing loss and would like to meet others to socialise, share ideas and improve your lipreading skills, please consider joining our lipreading group. We meet weekly during term time at Birstall Library on Saturday mornings. All ages and abilities are welcome. Your first session is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose!
Here’s what some of our members say about the group:
‘It’s exercised my brain, is great fun with lovely people and is very informative.’
‘It’s good to learn a new skill & helps me feel I can do something to make my struggles with hearing loss more manageable.’
‘It is helpful to me to find a group of people who understand the issues loss of hearing can raise & to learn about possible resources & coping strategies’
‘I feel like I’ve found my tribe.’
‘I cannot express to you how much these sessions have helped me, not just with regard to the reading of lips, but also with me coming to terms with my hearing loss and having a friendly supportive place to discuss how I feel about it.’
For more information about Birstall Lipreading Group (and other classes available) please contact Jenny Cluley:
Email: jenny@readinglips.online
Text: 07889 544997
From Jenny Cluley, Lipreading Tutor
A VOLUNTEER group led by Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) meet monthly to pick up litter from the River Soar.
At their July litter pick, they filled 28 bags and recovered a fridge and a mountain bike.
A spokesperson for LOPC said: “We meet up once every month and spend half a day paddling along the river and picking up as much rubbish as we can in that time.
“We try to keep the river as clean as we can, and also collect litter from the banks and towpaths too. We welcome people who
said the LOPC spokesperson.
They added: “As you contribute to improving the environment for all users, we find our litter pick team enjoy a great sense of satisfaction from the positive impact made on the environment. At
want to walk alongside the river collecting litter, while others can reach litter from boats.
“This is a great opportunity to get out canoeing, meet new people and feel good about having a positive impact on our environment.”
Every year tonnes of rubbish is thrown, dumped or finds its way into the River Soar.
“As well as being a hazard to wildlife, it also completely ruins the place spoiling what should be a pleasant place for people to come and enjoy, whether it’s a canal boat trip, going canoeing or kayaking, or even a walk along the riverside,”
single session, which really makes you feel like you’re making a difference to the river environment.”
Over the past five years, the group has collected more than 17 skips worth of litter from the river and riverbank. Upcoming Litter Picks
Wednesday 13th September 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Sunday 22nd October 2023, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Saturday 18th November 2023, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Saturday 16th December 2023, 9:30am – 12:30pm
There is a £3 charge to cover our costs and purchase litter-picking equipment.
How to get involved
You can book your space at www.lopc.co.uk.
Click on the “Individuals, Families and Clubs” link Tel: 0116 2681426.
RED HILL ALLOTMENT site held an open day on August 19.
The organisers delivered a fun event for all the family, with home-made produce and allotment-grown fruit and vegetables for sale.
There were refreshments, competitions, children's activities, and a scarecrow trail.
Plots on the site are available to rent; call 07707 973018 for more details.
hosted its whole-school end-ofyear art exhibition in June.
It was an opportunity for children across all year groups to showcase the artwork they produced this term.
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) children created animal silhouettes which they glued onto coloured backgrounds. The Year 1 Bears moulded their own clay figures - based on the work of British sculptor Antony Gormley - while Year 2 painted a fiery landscape based on The Great Fire of London. Putting a modern spin on it though, the children included some iconic landmarks such as London Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye.
The Year 3 children, inspired by their research on Stephanie Peters’ natural
THE COMMUNITY group have delivered quilts and angel gowns to the LRI.
We have also gifted locally some dementia muffs and twiddle items. If you care for someone with dementia locally, these are available free from the group. With our own fundraising and dona-
disasters artwork, created their own pastelbased colourings of erupting volcanoes.
The Badgers in Year 4 created their own printing blocks based on their India topic, and Year 5 created their own tile paintings inspired by their work on early Islamic geometric and
tions made to #payitforward we have been able to make a substantial donation to a local family to enable them to make memories at a very difficult time.
Birstall Running Club, which is a great asset to Birstall, were appealing for donations to replace the club “trolley.”
We were very pleased to be able to do this.
A big thank you to everyone for generously donating items for an army veteran who has been homeless for seven months and has been given a property. He was delighted with all the items gifted and we wish him well for the future.
If you feel we can help in anyway, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Pic: dementia muffs and twiddle items
0789 499 5164
A FUNDRAISING event for the family of a Birstall man, who was killed in car crash, was held at the Crown Pub in Anstey in July.
Officers were called to the crash involving a BMW in Leicester Road, Anstey, at about 10:30am on Saturday March 18, 2023.
Kieran Andrews, 26, of Wanlip Lane, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 22-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following a collision, was released on bail.
The police have now concluded their investigation into the accident and passed the file to the Crown Prosecution Service.
vegetal patterns.
Alongside their art, each child also produced a linked piece of writing; these ranged from reflections on their work to newspaper articles.
“We would like to thank the children for their efforts alongside all the adults who supported, and we are looking forward to hosting our next exhibition in the autumn term,” said teacher Mr Spedding.
Louise Morse is the author of several books on old age, including dementia. She is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and holds a Master's degree examining the effect of caring for loved ones with dementia.
Her talk, at the Methodist Church on Wanlip Lane, on September 23, starting at 10.30am, will be divided between general dementia information with a question and answer session, and
how social groups, especially Churches, can become more open and inviting to both carers and sufferers.
All are welcome to attend the full session, which will run into the afternoon until about 3pm (bring a packed lunch – refreshments will be available).
The session will be broadcast on Zoom.
For more information, to book a place, or to request the Zoom passcode etc, then please contact Charles Hilton, chashilton@me.com or call 0782 839 4276.
IMAGINARIUM. WHAT on earth is that I hear you ask? It’s just your imagination…
Do you remember listening as a child to the tales told by older members of the family, or sitting with visiting friends at home and hearing stories that captivated your attention and imagination? While some people enjoy writing, others might like to express memories and imagination in other ways.
With the working title ‘Imaginarium’, acquired from Walt Disney, I enjoyed many fascinating conversations with interesting people at the U3A ‘Open Day’ in April, and a new group was added to the variety of groups already offered. We all have a story in us, and with the help of a few props at the first meeting, I was delighted for them to be shared irrespective of being true or false, as our imagination is a wonderful asset. Storytelling is something many of us
THROUGHOUT AUGUST, the Social space in the old part of St James has been filling up with all kinds of 'goodies', from bric-a-brac to toys, games to books.
It really is quite amazing, and by now, in September, it will, hopefully, have been translated into a lovely day out for the people of Birstall and provided some much needed revenue for the Church roof repairs.
Ride & Stride
Funds will also have been raised through this year's 'Ride and Stride' on Saturday September 9, a sponsored cycle/walk around as many churches/chapels as possible over the day.
Funds will be shared with the Historic Churches Trust as usual, helping to preserve our wonderful ancient buildings.
Mothers’ Union
August has also seen the annual service dedicated to, and held by, the Mothers’ Union and their founder, Mary Sumner. From the beginnings of the Mothers’ Union, it has now become a worldwide organisation, dedicated to bringing hope and help where it is needed. In Leicester and Birstall, it has worked to provide much needed holiday breaks for families, bags of essential toiletries for emergency hospital stays, tiny knitted layettes for premature babies and beautiful blankets and shawls for still-borns, and also chocolate treats and
Easter eggs.
Rev’d Angela Tarry & Rev’d Robin
We have also had a treat this month in welcoming Rev'd Angela Tarry back to St James, the Church she grew up attending, and now returned to officiate at a very special service for her parent's Golden Wedding anniversary. It was really lovely to see her and made the day very happy for Paul and Helen.
Staying with Anniversaries, September 22 sees the celebration of Rev'd Robin's Emerald Anniversary of Priesting (55 years), and will be celebrated with a Mass/Eucharist at St Mary de Castro in Leicester. Rev'd Robin says that there 'may be cake'!
Many congratulations and thanks to him for his lifetime of service.
Harvest Festival
A festival of flowers and photos is being planned for the Harvest Festival weekend at Our Lady and St Nicholas Church in Wanlip (October 1). The Churchwardens are looking for photos of Wanlip village or the church that have been taken over the years, for the display, and would love to hear from anyone who could loan them any photos. The pictures would be scanned and copied, so they would quickly be returned.
If you would like to help, please call Debbie Shephard on 07860 951116 or email debbie.shephard54@gmail.com.
She would be very pleased to hear
did with, and as, children. Often when we reach adulthood, this ability remains but is dormant. Members of ‘Imaginarium’ experimented with stimulating the imagination using words and pictures to set off flights of fancy.
Stretching the imagination and storytelling can be approached in many different ways, and as a new group we’re experimenting with a few of these to see which works best at getting the 'little grey cells' working. Using words, items and picture prompts, we develop stories from a few facts, which take us to a new place where the current version is all that matters. Starting with questions like, what do these characters tell you? Where are they from, and what are their stories? Look at any image or object and allow your imagination to create a story around it. What does it say to you? What ideas come into your head when you look at it?
Members volunteered to bring along
from you.
Also in Wanlip, Old Nick's Coffee Shop is back in business now that the road has reopened! Don't forget - the second Tuesday of every month, from 10am - 12noon.
From Birstall Parish churches
Reasons for thanksgiving
Christians are called to be thankful people and we think about that particularly as we come to the harvest season. The apostle Paul wrote: ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ When Jesus Christ began His last journey towards Jerusalem, He met ten lepers outside a village and He healed all ten, but only one of them came back to thank and praise Him. ‘And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back and glorified God with a loud voice. And he fell down on his face at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. And answering, Jesus said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were none found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”’ Our thanks are not only expected but are also appreciated.
We all have so much for which to thank the Lord: His care of us and provision for us; the beautiful creation around us, family and friends, our skills and abilities – the list is endless.
Christopher Wordsworth (18071885) wrote a hymn (in 1863) in which he mentioned some of our reasons to give thanks – ‘O Lord of heaven and earth and sea, to Thee all praise and
three things:
1. A ‘story starter’ statement that we all will build on.
2. A portable item that has a story behind it for the rest of us to delve into and come up with our own interpretation.
3. A work-related story from our own experience.
Come to a meeting of ‘Imaginarium’ and tell us. Help to shape how storytelling and using your imagination can be fun!
Interested? Before becoming a Member of ‘Syston and District U3A’ you can enjoy a ‘Taster session’ of this group and one other from the diverse choice of groups on offer, or come along to our monthly meeting instead.
For more information on joining, and to contact any Group Leader, simply visit our website at www.systonu3a.org.uk
From Syston and District U3A
glory be; How shall we show our love to Thee, Who givest all?’ He points to our gratitude for the Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Thou didst not spare Thine only Son, But gav’st Him for a world undone … For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven, for means of grace and hopes of heaven; Father, what can to Thee be given, Who givest all?’ Other verses touch on peaceful homes, health and, appropriately for this time of year when we give especial thanks for our food and that the harvest is gathered safely: ‘Sweet flowers and fruits, Thy love declare; Where harvests ripen, Thou art there, Who givest all.’
Christopher was the nephew of the famous poet, William Wordsworth. He studied at Cambridge, where he was a distinguished scholar and later lecturer, before he spent some time as headmaster of Harrow School. He was ordained in the Church of England, serving 19 years in a Berkshire parish before being appointed as Archdeacon of Westminster and then as Bishop of Lincoln, where he served for 15 years before his death. He was a prolific writer – on classical themes and a commentary on the Bible as well as hymns and believed that the first duty of a hymn-writer should be to teach sound doctrine.
You are warmly invited to join us for our Harvest and Sunday services – see the Diary section for details, or contact us:
http://www.birstallbaptistchurch.org.uk or 0116 2214883.
From Birstall Independent Baptist Church
World lung cancer day was last month on August 1. It is often assumed that people diagnosed with lung cancer are past or present smokers and it is true, smoking tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer in the UK. Even light or occasional smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, and that includes breathing in other people’s cigarette smoke.
But some people who get lung cancer don’t smoke. In fact, up to 14% of people with lung cancer in the UK have never smoked. Birstall BAGs would like to share some insight into Lung Cancer in non-smokers.
To put it into perspective, if lung cancer in people who have never smoked was a separate disease, it would be the eighth most prevalent cause of cancerrelated death; higher than ovarian cancer, leukaemia and lymphoma.
In some ways, lung cancer is a distinct disease in people who have never smoked, as it has unique molecular and biological characteristics, and it responds differently to treatment.
But regardless of your smoking status, your route to diagnosis as someone with lung cancer symptoms should be the same, right? You notice your symptoms; you go to the doctor; you get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, as new research, funded by Cancer Research UK, has revealed, that isn’t always true.
The study compared people who have never smoked directly with current and former smokers with regards to seeking help and experiences in primary care, primary care being, for the most part, their GP.
The study interviewed 40 people with lung cancer: 20 of those were people who had never smoked, 11 were former smokers and 9 were current smokers. What the researchers found paints quite a complex picture.
There are lots of similarities between
smokers and non-smokers. Almost no one thinks they have lung cancer when they have a cough or shortness of breath or other similar symptoms. Even if you’re a smoker, that’s not the first thing you think of. People who have never smoked rarely had ‘dramatic’ or disruptive symptoms, and regularly attributed them to common illnesses like colds or hay fever, which meant they didn’t initially think that making an appointment with their GP was necessary.
Smokers, on the other hand, were more likely to have multiple symptoms, other chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to have disruptive symptoms, like coughing up blood. That meant that while they might notice new symptoms as unusual, and would make an appointment to see a doctor, they often put it down to existing health conditions rather than suspecting cancer.
When people who smoke experience a cough or breathlessness, their automatic thought is, ‘Oh, my COPD is playing up’ or ‘My asthma is playing up,’ And so, because they tend to have COPD or asthma check-ups regularly, it doesn’t feel like a massive leap for them to go and get it checked out.
Whereas non-smokers, who don’t have a chronic disease and have much less dramatic symptoms assume it will go away. It takes a
long time for them to realise something is wrong.
Sadly what the researchers found is that once people got past the point of their initial appointment that the biggest differences began to appear. The study revealed that smokers tended to remain vigilant until they received a diagnosis and were quick to arrange follow-up appointments if the medication they were originally prescribed, like antibiotics, didn’t clear their symptoms. By contrast, people who have never smoked were falsely reassured by their GP that their symptoms were benign, as it aligned with the patient’s own thoughts.
This often resulted in long periods be
fore they thought about booking another appointment, even in some cases in the presence of alarming symptoms like coughing up blood.
Whereas the researchers found that smokers, whose antibiotics or new inhaler didn’t work, would be back in the surgery as soon as they could. So, while smokers and non-smokers may both put off contacting their GP initially, the real delays for people who have never smoked begin after that, with some waiting up to several months before going back to the GP.
Diagnosing lung cancer early, in both smokers and people who have never smoked, can make all the difference to survival outcomes.
When diagnosed at its earliest stage, 57% of people with lung cancer will survive their disease for five years or more, compared with just 3% of people when the disease is diagnosed at the latest stage.
If we can diagnose more lung cancers earlier, we can see more people with lung cancer surviving their cancer for longer.
Birstall BAG's message is that don’t assume because you are a non-smoker that any symptoms you have cannot be lung cancer – they could!
For further information:
https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/202 2/11/25/why-do-non-smokers-face-delaysin-getting-a-lung-cancer-diagnosis/ https://ruthstraussfoundation.com/profe ssionals/non-smoking-lung-cancer/ https://www.egfrpositive.org.uk/aboutus https://www.alkpositive.org.uk/ https://roycastle.org/
For local support and information about cancer services, please contact:University Hospitals of Leicester Cancer Information Centre on 0116 258 6189
For more information on the funds Birstall BAGs have raised, the projects we support and forthcoming events, see www.birstallbags.co.uk or look us up on Facebook or email birstallbags@hotmail.co.uk